Wolves may assemble more often in winter in orderto bring down bigger game.

"The Wolf
Moon" is only one of the many names for the first full moon of the year (which often referred to the month of January itself, not just the actual moon).
Each Native American tribe had their own name for it, such as the Frost Moon,
the Cold Moon, the Elder Moon, the Moon of Hard Winter, etc. Some, like the
Algonquins, called it the Wolf Moon because it was the time of year when wolves
became the most visible. Others called the month of January the time of wolves running together.

Wulfmonath - the wolf month, according to the Saxons.

The Saxons called January Wulfmonath,
the wolf month. According to the writings of Verstigan, “The month which we now call January, they called Wolf-monat, to wit,
wolf-month, because people are wont always in that month to be in more danger to
be devoured of wolves than in any season else of the year: for that, through
the extremity of cold and snow, these ravenous beasts could not find of other
beasts sufficient to feed upon.”

The Changelings in my PNR novelsleft Scotland to escape the wolfexterminations there.

The month of January is called Faoilleach
in Old Scottish Gaelic. The ancient word comes from faol meaning a wolf. Although wolves don’t live in
Scotland at present, they did until 300 years ago. In fact, they were
considered such a danger in the 1500s that it was made mandatory by royal
decree for every landowner to hunt wolves three times a year.

Basque Country, a region spanning an area in northeastern Spain and southwestern France, has a wolf month too – but not until February. It’s called otsaila (otsa = wolf). Also, the Dacians, a Celtic tribe, were occasionally referred to as the Wolf Moon People by some of their neighbors.

In some parts of Europe it was believed that if you said the word wolf in December, you would be attacked
by one in January!

January may have been associated with wolves for other reasons.
For one, it’s the beginning of the lupine mating season. Unlike dogs, wolves
only breed once a year, and it’s usually only the alpha pair that produces
pups.

The howling of wolves is a sound I've been privileged tohear often in northern Canadian winters. It is themost primal sound I know of.

You're certainly more likely to hear wolves in January, or any of the winter months. Sound travels much further in the cold air. Plus the wolves might be more inclined to howl in winter, calling upon the pack to assemble to help bring down larger game.

Today, the Wolf Moon exists mostly in popular culture. The only
"official" titles for full moons in the year are the Harvest Moon,
the Hunter's Moon, and more recently, the Blue Moon.

Wolves are more visible in the winter months.

But January is still a good month for wolves, and humans stand a
better chance of seeing them then. With the leaves of the underbrush gone, plus
the contrast of their coat color against the snow, wolves are definitely easier
to spot in winter. They’re bolder too, usually out hunting rather than curled up in a
sheltered spot.

Wolves are beautifully designed torun in the snow.

Winter is usually a time of plenty for predators, and wolves
are well designed for running down prey in cold weather. They have a long outer
coat that sheds snow and water, and a thick undercoat that insulates them. Wolves
have very large feet too, with front feet bigger than their hind feet. The
result is good weight distribution on snow – they don’t sink into it the way
that a deer or elk would. Plus the hair around each toe pad is very stiff and
helps wolves to gain traction on ice.

So will wolves be howling at the Wolf Moon? In actuality, while wolves are often more active on moonlit nights - after all, they can see better - science says they don't howl at the lunar orb at all. Still, no one really knows what it's like to be a wolf, and I like to think that they do sometimes sing to the moon just for the pure joy of it.

Dani Harper is a published author, who writes
about wolves and wolf-like creatures called Changelings.www.daniharper.com

This is the recently released Black Wolf by Ganz.Like all Webkinz, it's about 8.5" tall and comes withsecret code for the the "Webkinz World" website. The code allows the user to own a virtual version of the pet for online play.Or, like me, you can just enjoy having thiscute wolf sitting on your desk!

Draw - Leave me a comment telling me what you like about wolves, or what you think about the Wolf Moon, and you'll be entered for a chance to win a black WEBKINZ wolf!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

CONGRATS TO TIFFANY!

Thanks to everyone who read my blog and/or left a comment. I truly appreciate it!

53 comments:

I've always loved wolves. It's something about the eyes, I think, how intelligent they are. It's not like looking at your beloved family dog. It's more like looking into a soul. I'd love to actually hear one out in the wild someday.

This was really interesting, I never knew the first full moon of January got called the Wolf moon but I love it! I've always had a soft spot for wolves, they're one of my favourite animals. There's just something about them that draws you in! So beautiful!suzi1811 @ fsmail.net

I've always loved wolves. I really admire the way they hold to their social structure. They are intelligent creatures that care for their family unit.Thank you for the excellent post and all the lovely photos :).vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com

I certainly wouldn't want to run into one but they are beautiful animals. They way their packs are structured is amazing. Beautiful eyes. Thanks so much for all the info. And the chance.Carol LLucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

I have always been fascinated by wolves and the way they live and I always go out and take moon pictures when it's in certain phases. It's nice to put the two of them together. I will definitely be out tonight taking more pictures and thinking of the wolves. I see a wolf tattoo in my future. :)

Ah..the wolves are my spirit animal as well as my totem animal. Everything about them is so very close to my heart and soul.I love everything good that is symbolized by the wolf. So many were killed and slaughtered out of existence because if ignorance and unreasonable fear.I've always felt that humans would be better educated if they were to appreciate and value how the wolf live and exist in their packs. They are the best teachers in living in a pack. The best parents, life mate and just beautiful in all ways. The wolves are not killers, and get blamed for so many deaths of livestock when 9 times out of 10 its a coyote of a feral dog. Wolves never kill for the thrill. But humans are guilty of that quite alot unfortunately.Thank you Dani for the wonderful info, and post!We moved down from Alaska in late June, and I already miss the wolf howls on our mountain...I will always feel blessed that they were our neighbors....*S*

My sister and I both feel that wolves are our spirit animal. I have been fascinated by them for as long as I can remember. I even have a face of a wolf and a tribal howling wolf on my back. They are majestic, loyal, strong and unbelievably beautiful animals. Now if only all people would realize their majesty, we would be in a better place.Staceysjuston@twcny.rr.com

Their paws have to be the stand-out thing for me. They represent protection, strength, security, but still this softness and warmth of loyalty and pack. (:

In regards about the wolf-moon, I have read about some of the variations you mentioned, but I love learning about all different cultures, and especially how they really were very tuned-in to nature. Extremely interesting. (:

I have always been a lover of predator animals; wolves, sharks, big cats (panthers, tigers, leopards, etc)... I have no clue why but I adore the energy. Orca whales too, but I do not see them as predators even though they technically are. Two of my spirit animals are predator animals,though not the wolf.

When I was a child we use to go to this animal reserve to visit and all I ever wanted to do is visit the wolves. The idea that the pack is lead by the female helps too! (kriss@cabingoddess.com or kristine.morton@gmail.com)

There is just something so majestic, beautiful, and intelligent about a wolf. They inspire us as they go running through the land wild and free. I love the pictures you post on facebook. Would love this little guy to sit on my desk and inspire me. Looking forward to your next book.grandmabkr at yahoo dot com

I love wolves for their beauty, their strong family ties, and their strength. I have always had an internal pull to the wolf. There is just something magical about them. I'm totally in love with your changling series. I can't wait for more.

I love wolves! They are my absolute favorite animal. They're so beautiful and I love it when they howl. It sounds amazing. My favorite wolf of all time has to be Fenrir. I've always loved reading about different mythologies and Fenrir always captivated me. :)

Great post! I never knew that the full moon in January was called the wolf moon. I have always thought of wolves as beautiful intelligent animals. I also love and admire wolves for their strong family ties and their strength.beckyqward@gmail.com

Really enjoyed your post I didn't know that the January full moon was called the wolf moon ,that they only breed once a year or that usually only the alpha pair produces pups.I love learning new things especially about wolves . Wolves are my favorite animals they are so beautiful, intelligent,strong so majestic.Thank you for sharing with us today.Hope you have a great week.flanagan@mebtel.net

My youngest daughter - age 26 - has loved learning about wolves and has quite a book of her own on research she has done. Also I have a prayer partner in Alaska who has sent her lots of articles, etc. She has wolves pictures and stuff everywhere in her house. I got her a wolf throw for Christmas. She wants to save the wolves. I would love to win this for her. jrs362 at hotmail dot com

I had a friend who had a female wolf. She was silver with the most beautiful piercing blue eyes. When I looked in her eyes, I was almost afraid because I could see that her intelligence was so much more than mine. She took up the entire bed area of his little pickup. She was such a beautiful creature.I love your books.

Great thoughts and I think one reason WE love our shapeshifters (wolves) is that we dare to dream...that one day....our own shapeshifter will take us away....for a better and more exciting life.

To love a shapeshifter is to accept that there are differences and in doing so....we accept. We can stand above those who discriminate against the shapeshifter (or someone who is different) but when a reader puts themself into the storyline, we accept the shapeshifter for who he/she is.

Your post about the "Wolf Moon" was great. I also love the little plush wolf he's so cute. Being a member of a native american tribe we also call it the "Wolf Moon". Love your books!moonwolf1970@gmail.com

I love anything about wolves. I'm hoping one day I'll see one in person, but I hope the wolf doesn't want me for a snack. LOL I've never heard of the Wolf Moon before. I learn something new everyday. :D

Thanks for sharing the photos which are really great.I am fascinated more by wolves than any other creature in the wilds. I think it is because they seem so illusive and mysterious. Probably aren't in actuality but they are from my viewpoint.JWIsley(at)aol(dot)com

My 31 year old daughter has always loved wolves so much that her bedroom walls were covered with them. As a Flower Girl in a wedding at age 6, she requested a stuffed wolf as her gift, and to this day she still has Sparky. In fact, she took him to college and on her honeymoon. Because he is so tattered she will not let her 3 year old and 20 month old daughters touch him. She will love reading your blog about wolves. Thanks for sharing.

that was very interesting-I had to laugh at the statement-In some parts of Europe it was believed that if you said the word wolf in December, you would be attacked by one in January! they are beautiful animals

DD1 (Missy Roth) LOVES wolves and hasdonated to wolfcare groups and collectswolf memorabilia. I like wolves but like the "Wolf Moon" so much more! It was just huge and it's brilliance was almosthurtful to my eyes. Keep the informationon these beautiful creatures coming!

I have loved wolves for a very long time, but the changing form of them has been a favourite of mine since I saw "Ladyhawke" (Rutger Hauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, Matthew Broderick). Since then I knew wolves mate for life and that loyalty is what I like best, then comes the variety in fur colours and eyes, their sense of family/pack and that they are on top of a food chain.

By the way, I am a cat but I was born in a family of dogs (relatives of wolves) and I used to listen to my name and come when I am called.

I find it interesting that there are so many different names for the same moon. I have no idea how anyone could ever keep them all straight...I'd need a serious spreadsheet! lolWolf Moon sounds fun, but I like Frost Moon even better.

I think wolves are a misunderstood beauty of nature. I sponsored a wolf when they were introduced into Idaho, and wouldn't you know, I got the only wolf that had two mates! I'm pretty sure he's not around anymore, but I would love to find a new one to sponsor if they do that still.